OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s Sons of the American Legion Squadron 524 will be offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to 40 Coast Guard recruits stationed at Cape May’s Coast Guard Training Station during this family-centered holiday.
“Cape May County is a proud Coast Guard Community,” said Sons Commander Mike Byerly. “Many of us spend a good deal of time on the water, and it is always reassuring to know that if things go sideways, the Coast Guard has our backs.”
At 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, a charter bus will pick up the recruits at the training station and transport them to the Ocean City Welcome Center, where they will be greeted by a police and fire company brigade. The recruits will then be formally escorted to the American Legion’s Morvay-Miley Cruice Post 524 at 46th and West Avenue for a daylong celebration.
Following coffee and breakfast snacks, a full array of activities will be offered, including games of pinball, pool, shuffleboard, darts and corn hole. Surround sound music and television sports will play all day.
The recruits will enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, tenderloin, pulled pork and all the traditional side dish fixings. The main dishes are being prepared by Dave Newman, owner and executive chef at Ocean City’s Blitz’s Market/Deli. Volunteers from Post 524’s Veterans, Auxiliary and Sons family will make the recruits feel right at home.
“I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Thanksgiving than to demonstrably express our gratitude to these young men and women who have chosen to serve our country and our community,” Byerly said. “Hopefully today’s festivities will ease the burden of being separated from their families, and serve as a reminder that their fellow Americans appreciate their sacrifices and service.”
The dinner is aided by the American Red Cross’s New Jersey Region and its Operation Fireside. This program puts recruits and Thanksgiving dinner sponsors in direct contact. Those who would like to learn more about the Red Cross Operation Fireside can reach out by email to opfiresidenj@redcross.org or by calling (609) 562-3483.
To learn more about American Legion Post 524, call (609) 304-3088 or email www.legion524ocni.com.
– By DOUG OTTO/For the Sentinel